September marks the beginning of Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign dedicated to raising awareness about hunger and inspiring action in communities across the country.
To kick off the month, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Foodlink representatives visited a Curbside Market stop to highlight their longstanding partnership and shared commitment to improving access to healthy food throughout the Rochester region. Over the years, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has supported many of Foodlink’s programs and services, helping strengthen efforts to address food insecurity, improve community health and increase access to nutritious foods for thousands of residents.
One of the most impactful examples of this partnership is Foodlink’s Curbside Market, one of the first mobile markets in the country that improves access to healthy food in underserved communities. Operating six days a week, Foodlink’s fleet of mobile markets travels to more than 50 neighborhood sites, serving thousands of customers each year. The partnership supports ongoing efforts to expand Foodlink’s capacity to meet growing community needs through investments in equipment, technology and infrastructure improvements.
“This multi-year partnership with Foodlink is a significant step forward in our shared mission to tackle food insecurity and help transform the health and well-being of our communities,” said Megan Bunce, community investments and partnerships manager at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. “Together we’re also expanding access to nutritious foods, empowering families with education for healthier eating, and creating lasting opportunities for communities that have historically been underserved.”
Throughout Foodlink’s 10-county service area, food insecurity remains a significant challenge for more than 155,000 local residents, many of whom are forced to make tough choices about basic needs due to the high cost of food. In addition, thousands of local residents lost critical food assistance due to changes in eligibility and work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Foodlink and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield officials gathered at Lake Tower Apartments in Rochester to help promote the Curbside Market. In the surrounding community — the 14608 zip code — more than 27% of residents experience food insecurity, which is double the regional average. The Curbside Market provides local residents with a a convenient, affordable place to shop on a weekly basis.
“Foodlink’s Curbside Market helps local residents stretch their dollars,” said Florence Clemmons, director of community-based strategies for Foodlink. “We’re grateful to continue our partnership with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield as our neighbors grapple with a high cost of food and gas, which ultimately impacts the food on their plate and the overall health of our community.”
Foodlink is grateful for partners like Excellus BlueCross BlueShield whose continued investment helps advance the organization’s mission to leverage the power of food to end hunger and build healthier communities. Together, the organizations are working to ensure that every resident has access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
